June 18, 2014

Given Ted Thompson’s build-through-the-draft philosophy, first round picks tend to shape the trajectory of his teams much more than other teams. This year that notion will come into much clearer focus as pressure mounts on a defense expected to make bigger plays and more often. Specifically, first rounders, Nick Perry (28th, 2012) and Datone Jones (26th, 2013) will make or break Dom Capers unit in 2014, which desperately needs a jolt of athleticism, youth and strength both Perry and Jones were drafted to provide. Jones was hampered by a high-ankle sprain most of 2013, didn’t register a single start and played only 22 snaps over the final three games; he finished with 3.5 sacks on the season, two of which came in one game. Perry had a semi-productive year in 2013, given he missed five games with a broken foot. Four sacks and three forced fumbles is evidence Perry has the ability to disrupt. Both have shown flashes of impact, but the question remains whether each can stay healthy and be consistently productive.

Safety Performance
We all know “the stat” about Packers’ safeties last year – only NFL team without an INT from that position. Beyond the numbers, Green Bay simply needs an average, rangy and sure-tackling safety to pair with Morgan Burnett. That alone improves the Packers defense by 10-20 percent, but it’s easier said than done. The Packers would love to have a pro-bowl safety; but I don’t think Dom Capers needs a superstar at either FS or SS. As long as Ha Ha Clinton-Dix can tackle and not give up the big play, I expect Morgan Burnett to benefit most – with 3-4 interceptions and an above-average year in which Packer nation starts to feel better about his big contract. Back to Ha Ha. A lot of pressure will be put on Clinton-Dix right away, so expect mistakes early in the season. Also don’t be surprised if Micah Hyde gets more of an opportunity at safety, than some may estimate. I see Hyde and Clinton-Dix getting along very well and becoming good friends in helping each other adjust to new positions/environments. Plus, who else would give Clinton-Dix competitio
n?

Need Another Consistent Game-ChangerClay Matthews has been the Packers only “consistent” playmaker on defense since the 2010 Super Bowl team. Matthews’ injury history suggests he may not even fall into “game-changer” category. In any case, Green Bay’s defense must produce a second fearful, disruptive and reliable player if it expects to make another Super Bowl run. At any given moment, the Packers need a threat who can change the tide of a football game with one play – a pick-six, a strip-sack, a tackle for a loss on fourth-and-short, etc. And not just once in a while, but a consistent game-changer.

Can Sam Shields become the next Packers star?Photo credit : ESPN.com

My prediction for who steps up this year is either Sam Shields or Datone Jones. Shields approached pro-bowl status last year, tallying four INTs and 61 total tackles, along with displaying flashes of brilliance and near-misses on a few big play opportunities (i.e., playoffs vs. San Francisco). Look for Shields to grow into his role as the Packers #1 corner, fueled by increased aggressiveness, more trust from Dom Capers and a solidified defensive backfield with Clinton-Dix/Burnett.

Datone Jones is the athletic prototype Dom Capers dreams about so look for the Packers to give him every chance to succeed in the DL rotation. As mentioned above, Jones was hampered by injury in 2013 so Green Bay felt like they didn’t get the true view of what the former 26th overall pick can do on the field. If he can find a way to channel his energy, stay healthy and improve his technique, his physicality will put him in position to make big plays.